Antarctica Holidays & Cruises

Antarctica is an incredible place of epic proportions, and a cruise to this vast continent of pristine white wilderness will not fail to take your breath away. With towering icebergs and a huge variety of wildlife, the Antarctic has a rich history dating back to the early explorers.

The Antarctic Peninsula offers the biggest variety of wildlife, the Weddell Sea has huge icebergs and emperor penguins, cruising the Ross Sea will reveal a more remote and unbelievable ice shelf, along with the iconic explorer huts.

One of the best ways to holiday in Antarctica is onboard a cruise or expedition ship and choosing the right vessel is key to a successful Antarctic cruise. There are many different ships available from expeditionary vessels through to the more luxurious ships. At Steppes Travel we have over fifteen years' experience planning cruises to Antarctica and you can be assured of a once in a lifetime experience.

Nothing prepares you for Antarctica's sheer scale. As you cruise past towering glaciers, let the cold air into your lungs and take in the vast amount of space in one of the world's least visited continents.

Explore the Antarctic Regions

The Peninsula

Great overview of Antarctica with magnificent glacial scenery and ice-strewn waterways

Most accessible part of Antarctica, reached from South America

Home to the widest range of Antarctic wildlife - penguins, whales and seals

Visit historic and modern research stations along with the remotest post office in the world

Experience Beyond the Ordinary in Antarctica

Spend an unforgettable night out on the ice in a bivi or tent with a cosy sleeping bag and a blanket of stars

Sail around the Antarctic Peninsula on a 22 metre yacht for a experience like no-other

For the real adventure you can fly into a specially constructed camp near the South Pole

Get closer to the water in a kayak, near-silent but for the clink of the sea ice against the sides, penguins are particularly curious and often pop up next to you

Enter the water (seriously) - don a dry suit and snorkel with penguins to see just how much ice really is below the surface

What to expect on your Antarctic holiday

If you are sailing from Ushuaia in southern Argentina to the Antarctic Peninsula, remember that cruises will take two days to get there and two days to get back. This stretch of water, the infamous Drake’s Passage, can offer up some interesting weather and if you are at all prone to seasickness, make sure you go prepared.

During the crossing you will have lectures from your expedition crew as well as time on deck watching the flight of the pelagic birds. Upon arrival in Antarctica your daily routine will typically involve two landings by zodiac in different areas. If whales are spotted, then the zodiacs may well be lowered again to try and get you a closer view.

The onboard expedition staff are key to a successful Antarctic journey. They use their experience to get you ashore when the weather is challenging and provide you with alternatives when the weather is inclement. They are on hand to give you insight into the wildlife, geology and history of this unique part of the world. Their insight vastly enriches your experience.

The expedition team give lectures throughout the voyage which will leave you reeling with knowledge, information and trivia. For example:

The daily intake of krill of a blue whale would feed a human for four years.

Snow falling on Antarctica takes 100,000 years to ‘flow’ to the coast before carving off as an iceberg.

Why we love Antarctica Cruises

Experiencing Antarctica first-hand can be overwhelming - the smells, the sounds and above all the scale. Penguin poo has a particular perfume. There's the honking bray of penguins, the shrill party whistles of young chicks trying to find their voice, the bleating, mewing, strangulated cries of a crèche of young fur seal pups. The deep visceral gurgling of the stomachs of elephant seals. The staggering size of the icebergs, the vast numbers of penguins.

That’s the trouble with visiting this part of the world: sensory overload. The weather, the seas, the scenery, the marine life, the bird life, the colours, the contrasts. You scour your memory database for superlatives, you are constantly reaching for your camera – thank goodness for digital cameras – but however much you try, you are never quite able to capture the experience.

Our Antarctic Holiday Expertise

Sue, our Polar specialist, first visited Antarctica 15 years ago and has been captivated by the place ever since. She has crossed the notorious Drake Passage five times, visited the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea, crossed the Antarctic circle and been to South Georgia and the Falklands during her three visits. She has experienced Antarctica during the early, mid and late season; has kayaked through and camped on the ice and even jumped into the freezing water doing the ‘polar plunge’. Sue has also sailed or been on the vast majority of boats we offer. She is a true Antarctic specialist and can offer first-hand knowledge on most aspects of a holiday to Antarctica.

Advice from our Antarctic Cruise Experts

“It is probably not as cold as you expecting but the wind chill makes a difference, take lots of layers, a good hat to cover your ears, thick socks, neck gaiter and spare gloves in case they get wet. Extra-large washing up gloves make a simple and effective waterproof coating for gloves.”

“If you are a keen photographer, then kneepads are great in the zodiacs and for getting down low to take penguin shots. Don’t forget to put your camera down and just take it all in, the images that are in your memory are much more vivid than those on your memory card will ever be.”

Antarctica FAQs

The Antarctic season is quite short and voyages depart from late October through to mid-March, with January & February being the most popular months.

Early season is particularly good for seeing large icebergs and sea ice, the penguin colonies will be at their most pristine and nest building and courting will be taking place. In the Sub Antarctic islands spring flowers will be at their best.

Mid Season chicks will be hatching and as they grow older the chicks become far more active and inquisitive. It is during this time that the days are at their longest.

Late season is the best time for whale sightings and marine predators are at their most active with many chicks and seals venturing into the waters.

Where do I start my Antarctic cruise holiday?

Most voyages sail from Ushuaia in southern Argentina; there are also a small number of departures from Buenos Aires and Puerto Madryn, Argentina or Bluff in New Zealand if you are visiting the far side.

If you want to save yourself up to 4 days of sailing across the Drake Passage then the fly-cruises depart from Punta Arenas in Chile. There are chartered flights into King George Island in the South Shetlands and a weekly scheduled service into Mount Pleasant on the Falkland Islands.

Which ship is right for me?

This depends on the style of travel you prefer. Expedition research ships are usually converted research vessels which are robust, functional and authentic but nothing glamorous.

Expedition cruising ships are more modern and specifically designed for this type of travel with a greater degree of comfort. All the vessels we promote, offer zodiac excursions and landings and with small numbers you will not find yourself waiting your turn or simply sailing by looking from a distance. Get close enough to smell the breath of an elephant seal and tread in penguin guano.

What cabin should I choose for my Antarctic cruise?

There are a wide range of cabins from the functional quad and triple shares through to luxurious suites with balconies. All cabins we offer have at least a porthole, and most have en-suite facilities. Having sailed aboard or inspected all the ships we can advise you on the best options.

For single travellers we can look at single cabins on some ships. If you are happy to share a cabin with another same sex traveller then we will take on the responsibility of finding you a companion. This means you will avoid paying a single supplement.

Are there different Antarctic cruise itineraries?

All itineraries have their own nuances but the main options are:

1) Classic South Shetlands and Antarctica Peninsula, from 10 – 14 days taking in the highlights of the peninsula and in some cases, crossing the Antarctic Circle.

2) Fly cruise to South Shetlands and Antarctica Peninsula. From 8 days, the quickest of all options which avoids sailing across the Drake Passage.

3) Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, from 17 – 22 days. A comprehensive trip combining the Antarctic Peninsula with South Georgia and its phenomenal king penguin colonies and Shackleton history. If you are only going to do this once and you have the time and budget this is the trip.

4) For those who have been bitten by the polar bug and have more time to spare then there are a selection of voyages that take in the Weddell Sea in search of Emperor Penguins, the Ross Sea and East Antarctica for the historic huts of Shackleton, Scott and Mawson or even flights to the South Pole.

How adventurous can I be on my Antarctic cruise?

You can make your expedition as relaxed or adventurous as you like. With no predators on land you are free to explore or if you prefer, sit quietly on the edge of a penguin colony. Close encounters are common as penguins are curious creatures.

If you want to stretch your legs and get some height, extended guided walks are provided sometimes with snow shoes or skis. The opportunity of a night out camping on the ice should not be missed – it may not be the most comfortable night of your life but certainly a memorable one. Kayaking on crystal clear waters surrounded by porpoising penguins is an exhilarating experience. For the height of adventure and a unique perspective, snorkelling and diving are available on some voyages.

Do I need to pack a jacket & tie/ cocktail dress?

Dress
code on board the boat is very informal and leans strongly towards the
practical. When not undertaking excursions, people dress casually, even for
dinner in the evenings. You may want a smarter shirt for the captain’s dinner
on the final night. The boat itself is always warm inside.

Can I contact the outside world?

One
of the great bonuses of travelling in this region is there is no mobile phone
signal. If necessary it is possible to make outgoing calls by satellite phone
and you can send and receive emails via the ship’s email address, all of which is
charged to your tab.

What is the time Zone in Antarctica?

Antarctica is one of the most interesting places in the world when it comes to keeping time. Technically, Antarctica falls under all time zones currently followed by the rest of the world. This is because the longitude lines that are used to define time zones all meet at the poles.

The lack of an official time zone in Antarctica is not a problem each research base determines the time zone it wants to operate in. For practical purposes, some research stations follow the time zone of their home country. Others, like the McMurdo station and Palmer station, both run by the US, synchronize their time to the closest point in the inhabited world.

What clothing should I take to the Antarctic?

We will provide you with a full suggested clothing list but you do not need to spend a huge amount of money on kit. Plenty of layers is the way to go so you can regulate your temperature easily. Keeping your hands, head and feet warm is most important.

This is an active cruise with optional daily walking excursions over uneven terrain and to be able to get the most out of it you should be in good general health. In order to join the excursions, you must be able to easily get up and down the steep gangway from the ship to the water level and to be able to get in and out of the awaiting zodiacs, which can be awkward, particularly in choppy seas. Staff will be on hand to assist all passengers, so don’t worry about this, it’s just something to be aware of.

How cold will it be?

Probably
not as cold as you imagine as you will be travelling during the austral summer.
There is very little change in temperature between day and night, which usually
hovers around 0 – 5 degrees. The wind chill however can make this feel
considerably cooler.

Am I too old?

The
simple answer is ‘No’, there is no maximum age restriction, your health and
general outlook on life being far more relevant criteria. Many of our clients
over the years have been well into their seventies and eighties.

Is Antarctica suitable for children/families?

Antarctica
will undoubtedly make a lasting impression on a child; however we would
discourage travellers under the age of 12. These voyages simply do not cater for
children and do not offer any specific activities for children, child minding
services, a child friendly food menu or smaller life preservers.

Do I need to worry about sea sickness?

As
you will possibly be crossing the Drake Passage twice you should anticipate potentially
rough seas at some stage on the voyage. Should you be prone to motion or sea
sickness, we suggest consulting your local pharmacy or GP for advice on
anti-seasickness medication.

How rough is the Drake Passage?

This is an often asked question for many potential Antarctica travellers. It’s a tricky one as the crossings can be anything from a millpond to a force nine hurricane, the latter being the less common. Ultimately it’s down to a little luck, but most people find that their own experience wasn't as bad as they thought it would be.

We can certainly help to hopefully reduce concern by recommending boats known for their stability. For those still worried, it’s possible to avoid sailing the Drake Passage altogether by taking a 2 hour flight rather than undertaking a 2-day seas journey, see the Fly & Cruise option for details.

What about single travellers?

As
these voyages offer a collective experience in the company of like minded
people, they’re very well suited for single travellers. You have the option to
either share a triple or twin same sex or to cover the supplement to secure
your own cabin. If sharing, a cabin mate will be allocated to you by the boat
operator.

Holidays

wildlife group tour

Ross Sea Voyage with Friends of SPRI

Travel to one of the most remote places on Earth. The Ross Sea is synonymous with the history of ...

Samuel Adams

Antarctica

I was uncharacteristically worried about this trip ...

... neurotic some might say - and I was given 110% support and help with everything. I had been disappointed by not being able to get a space on the 2014 trip and so Sue was stuck with me for 2 years - a testament to her patience and professionalism. I was confident in Sue throughout as she is much more than a travel agent - she knows Antarctica and speaks from experience, that is worth a huge amount. Emails, which I would send in the evening expecting to hear something in the following days, were responded to almost immediately. (Sorry for disturbing your evenings)

Antarctica

WHEN TO GO- Antarctica

Antarctica is the highest, driest & windiest place on earth but as it is a continent the conditions vary considerably. The vast majority of visitors will be experiencing the peninsula region where during the summer months the temperature is generally above 0° and rarely below -5° although the wind chill factor can make it feel considerably cooler. Conditions on the high interior plateau are much colder as a result of its higher elevation, higher latitude and greater distance from the ocean. Here, summer temperatures struggle to get above ?20°C. Vostok station holds the record for the lowest ever temperature recorded at the surface of the Earth (?89.2°C). Below are the temperature charts for the Falkland islands & South Georgia as guide.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS- Antarctica

The Antarctic season is quite short and voyages depart from late October through to mid-March, with January & February being the most popular months.

Early season is particularly good for seeing large icebergs and sea ice, the penguin colonies will be at their most pristine and nest building and courting will be taking place. In the Sub Antarctic islands spring flowers will be at their best.

Mid Season chicks will be hatching and as they grow older the chicks become far more active and inquisitive. It is during this time that the days are at their longest.

Late season is the best time for whale sightings and marine predators are at their most active with many chicks and seals venturing into the waters.

Most voyages sail from Ushuaia in southern Argentina; there are also a small number of departures from Buenos Aires and Puerto Madryn, Argentina or Bluff in New Zealand if you are visiting the far side.

If you want to save yourself up to 4 days of sailing across the Drake Passage then the fly-cruises depart from Punta Arenas in Chile. There are chartered flights into King George Island in the South Shetlands and a weekly scheduled service into Mount Pleasant on the Falkland Islands.

This depends on the style of travel you prefer. Expedition research ships are usually converted research vessels which are robust, functional and authentic but nothing glamorous.

Expedition cruising ships are more modern and specifically designed for this type of travel with a greater degree of comfort. All the vessels we promote, offer zodiac excursions and landings and with small numbers you will not find yourself waiting your turn or simply sailing by looking from a distance. Get close enough to smell the breath of an elephant seal and tread in penguin guano.

There are a wide range of cabins from the functional quad and triple shares through to luxurious suites with balconies. All cabins we offer have at least a porthole, and most have en-suite facilities. Having sailed aboard or inspected all the ships we can advise you on the best options.

For single travellers we can look at single cabins on some ships. If you are happy to share a cabin with another same sex traveller then we will take on the responsibility of finding you a companion. This means you will avoid paying a single supplement.

1) Classic South Shetlands and Antarctica Peninsula, from 10 – 14 days taking in the highlights of the peninsula and in some cases, crossing the Antarctic Circle.

2) Fly cruise to South Shetlands and Antarctica Peninsula. From 8 days, the quickest of all options which avoids sailing across the Drake Passage.

3) Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, from 17 – 22 days. A comprehensive trip combining the Antarctic Peninsula with South Georgia and its phenomenal king penguin colonies and Shackleton history. If you are only going to do this once and you have the time and budget this is the trip.

4) For those who have been bitten by the polar bug and have more time to spare then there are a selection of voyages that take in the Weddell Sea in search of Emperor Penguins, the Ross Sea and East Antarctica for the historic huts of Shackleton, Scott and Mawson or even flights to the South Pole.

You can make your expedition as relaxed or adventurous as you like. With no predators on land you are free to explore or if you prefer, sit quietly on the edge of a penguin colony. Close encounters are common as penguins are curious creatures.

If you want to stretch your legs and get some height, extended guided walks are provided sometimes with snow shoes or skis. The opportunity of a night out camping on the ice should not be missed – it may not be the most comfortable night of your life but certainly a memorable one. Kayaking on crystal clear waters surrounded by porpoising penguins is an exhilarating experience. For the height of adventure and a unique perspective, snorkelling and diving are available on some voyages.

Dress
code on board the boat is very informal and leans strongly towards the
practical. When not undertaking excursions, people dress casually, even for
dinner in the evenings. You may want a smarter shirt for the captain’s dinner
on the final night. The boat itself is always warm inside.

One
of the great bonuses of travelling in this region is there is no mobile phone
signal. If necessary it is possible to make outgoing calls by satellite phone
and you can send and receive emails via the ship’s email address, all of which is
charged to your tab.

Antarctica is one of the most interesting places in the world when it comes to keeping time. Technically, Antarctica falls under all time zones currently followed by the rest of the world. This is because the longitude lines that are used to define time zones all meet at the poles.

The lack of an official time zone in Antarctica is not a problem each research base determines the time zone it wants to operate in. For practical purposes, some research stations follow the time zone of their home country. Others, like the McMurdo station and Palmer station, both run by the US, synchronize their time to the closest point in the inhabited world.

We will provide you with a full suggested clothing list but you do not need to spend a huge amount of money on kit. Plenty of layers is the way to go so you can regulate your temperature easily. Keeping your hands, head and feet warm is most important.

This is an active cruise with optional daily walking excursions over uneven terrain and to be able to get the most out of it you should be in good general health. In order to join the excursions, you must be able to easily get up and down the steep gangway from the ship to the water level and to be able to get in and out of the awaiting zodiacs, which can be awkward, particularly in choppy seas. Staff will be on hand to assist all passengers, so don’t worry about this, it’s just something to be aware of.

Probably
not as cold as you imagine as you will be travelling during the austral summer.
There is very little change in temperature between day and night, which usually
hovers around 0 – 5 degrees. The wind chill however can make this feel
considerably cooler.

The
simple answer is ‘No’, there is no maximum age restriction, your health and
general outlook on life being far more relevant criteria. Many of our clients
over the years have been well into their seventies and eighties.

Antarctica
will undoubtedly make a lasting impression on a child; however we would
discourage travellers under the age of 12. These voyages simply do not cater for
children and do not offer any specific activities for children, child minding
services, a child friendly food menu or smaller life preservers.

As
you will possibly be crossing the Drake Passage twice you should anticipate potentially
rough seas at some stage on the voyage. Should you be prone to motion or sea
sickness, we suggest consulting your local pharmacy or GP for advice on
anti-seasickness medication.

This is an often asked question for many potential Antarctica travellers. It’s a tricky one as the crossings can be anything from a millpond to a force nine hurricane, the latter being the less common. Ultimately it’s down to a little luck, but most people find that their own experience wasn't as bad as they thought it would be.

We can certainly help to hopefully reduce concern by recommending boats known for their stability. For those still worried, it’s possible to avoid sailing the Drake Passage altogether by taking a 2 hour flight rather than undertaking a 2-day seas journey, see the Fly & Cruise option for details.

As
these voyages offer a collective experience in the company of like minded
people, they’re very well suited for single travellers. You have the option to
either share a triple or twin same sex or to cover the supplement to secure
your own cabin. If sharing, a cabin mate will be allocated to you by the boat
operator.

Your Antarctic expedition team will give lectures throughout the voyage which will leave you reeling with knowledge, information and trivia. For example:

The daily intake of krill of a blue whale would feed a human for four years.Snow falling on Antarctica takes 100,000 years to ‘flow’ to the coast before carving off as an iceberg.Worryingly, if Antarctica's ice sheets melted, the world’s oceans would rise by 65 metres.